Flame resistant filter apparatus and method
A filter assembly includes a filter pad comprising fibers including natural, synthetic and/or hybrid fibers. In particular embodiments, the filter pad comprises wool fibers. The filter assembly also includes a bonding emulsion, wherein the bonding emulsion comprises casein resin. The filter assembly also includes a structural support. In particular embodiments, at least a portion of the fibers are treated with a solution that is fire resistant or fire retardant.
1. A kitchen vent hood filter assembly, the filter assembly comprising:
a filter pad comprising oleophilic fibers, such that the filter pad is an oleophilic filter pad, formed through at least one of thermo-bonding, air-laid, and spunbond, associated with an exhaust ventilation system, the oleophilic filter pad comprising viscose fibers and wool fibers;
a biodegradable bonding emulsion comprising casein resin and polylactic acid (PLA);
a fire retardant solution; and
a structural support that holds the filter pad in place within a vent hood without metal filter support frames, frame covers or heat shields.
2. The filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the oleophilic filter pad comprises rayon fibers.
3. The filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the oleophilic filter pad comprises nylon fibers.
4. The filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the structural support comprises a stabilizer frame embedded in the filter pad, and the stabilizer frame comprises a box frame.
5. The filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the structural support comprises supports extending between opposite sides of the filter pad.
6. The filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the structural support comprises four sides to form a rectangle.
7. The filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the oleophilic fiber pad comprises no more than 90% wool fibers.
8. The filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the filter assembly has a total dry weight approximately between 55 grams per square meter to 500 grams per square meter.
9. The filter assembly of claim 8 , wherein the filter assembly has a dry loft of approximately between 5 mm and 50 mm.
10. A method of manufacturing a kitchen vent hood filter assembly, the method comprising:
forming a filter pad comprising oleophilic fibers, such that the filter pad is an oleophilic filter pad, formed through at least one of thermo-bonding, air-laid, and spunbond, associated with an exhaust filtration system, the oleophilic filter pad comprising viscose fibers and wool fibers;
applying a biodegradable bonding emulsion to the oleophilic filter pad, wherein the bonding emulsion comprises casein resin and polylactic acid (PLA);
applying a fire retardant solution to the oleophilic filter pad; and
coupling the filter pad to a structural support that holds the filter pad in place within a vent hood without metal filter support frames, frame covers or heat shields.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the oleophilic filter pad comprises rayon fibers.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the oleophilic filter pad comprises nylon fibers.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the structural support comprises a stabilizer frame embedded in the filter pad, and the stabilizer frame comprises a box frame.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the structural support comprises supports extending between opposite sides of the filter pad.
15. The method of claim 10 , wherein the structural support comprises four sides to form a rectangle.
16. The method of claim 10 , the oleophilic fiber pad comprises no more than 90% wool fibers.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the filter assembly has a total dry weight approximately between 55 grams per square meter to 500 grams per square meter.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the filter assembly has a dry loft approximately between 5 mm and 50 mm.